Dairy Business Association: Diary Business Association endorses Michels for governor, Toney for AG

MADISON, Wis. — The Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, today endorsed Tim Michels for governor, Eric Toney for attorney general and numerous candidates for the Legislature in the November election.

Key to the association’s support for Michels is his business sense, regulatory perspective and openness to hearing from dairy farmers, DBA President Amy Penterman said.

“Tim Michels is a businessman who understands that dairy farming is a business and that growth for this industry is vital to the economic well-being of our state,” Penterman said. “Farmers underpin a $45 billion portion of Wisconsin’s economy. Our farms need to flourish if we are to protect that.

“Michels also knows the importance of regulatory certainty to farmers’ ability to plan and grow,” she said. “And he realizes how impractical regulations can stifle innovation. Environmental sustainability is a prime example. With flexibility to integrate new technologies, our farmers could accelerate their progress in protecting water quality. 

“Michels also is open to welcoming farmers to the table for discussions about issues that affect dairy,” Penterman said. “Maintaining open and honest communication with the agricultural community will bring better opportunities, more effective solutions to challenges and a brighter future for Wisconsin.”

The association also announced its endorsement of Eric Toney for attorney general.

“Eric Toney is single-minded in his approach to regulation and following the law. This is welcome, and refreshing, for farmers, many of whom have felt the damaging effects of regulatory overreach,” Penterman said. “DBA is confident Mr. Toney will ensure regulators follow the intent of the Legislature and stay within the scope of statutes when writing and enforcing administrative rules. It is essential that Wisconsin have common-sense regulations that are fairly applied if we are to keep farms from leaving or closing.”

The announcements came after the DBA board of directors finalized its list of endorsements today at World Dairy Expo. The board earlier had heard from members and had meetings with the candidates.

DBA is also endorsing 74 candidates seeking election to the state Legislature.  

“The candidates we are supporting have demonstrated dedication to supporting Wisconsin’s dairy farmers,” Penterman said. “They show an understanding of our key issues and a commitment to addressing them.” 

Seventeen state Senate seats are up for election this year. DBA has made endorsements in 14 of those races. Listed by district, they are: 

1^ST— Andre Jacque, R-DePere
5^th — Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield
9^th — Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg
11^th — Steve Nass, R-Whitewater
13^th — John Jagler, R-Watertown
15^th — Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit
17^th — Marklein, R-Spring Green
19^th — Rachel Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton
23^rd — Jesse James, R-Altoona
25^th — Romaine Quinn, R-Rice Lake
27^th — Dianne Hesselbein, D-Middleton
29^th — Cory Tomczyk, R-Mosinee
31^st — Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick
33^rd — Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield 

All 99 seats in the Assembly are up for election. DBA is making endorsements of candidates in a wide range of races, grouped here by region of the state:

Northeast 

1^st — Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay
2^nd — Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers
3^rd — Ron Tusler, R-Harrison
4^th — Dave Steffen, R-Green Bay
5^th — Joy Goeben, R-Hobart
25^th — Paul Tittl, R-Manitowoc
26^th — Terry Katsma, R-Oostburg
27^th — Amy Binsfield, R- Sheboygan
40^th — Kevin Peterson, R-Waupaca
52^nd — Jerry O’Connor, R-Fond du Lac
55^th — Nate Gustafson, R-Neenah
56^th — Dave Murphy, R-Greenville
88^th — John Macco, R-Ledgeview
89^th — Elijah Behnke, R-Oconto  

Milwaukee 

12^th — LaKeshia Myers, D-Milwaukee
18^th — Evan Goyke, D-Milwaukee
21^st — Jessie Rodriguez, R-Oak Creek 

Northwest 

28^th — Gae Magnafici, R-Dresser
29^th — Clint Moses, R-Menomonie
30^th — Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls
67^th — Rob Summerfield, R-Bloomer
68^th — Karen Hurd, R-Fall Creek
69^th — Dana Rozar, R-Marshfield
75^th — David Armstrong, R-Rice Lake
92^nd — Treig Pronschinske R-Mondovi
93^rd — Warren Petryk, R-Town of Washington 

North-central 

34^th — Rob Swearingen, R-Rhinelander
35^th — Calvin Callahan, R-Tomahawk
36^th — Jeff Mursau, R-Crivitz
70^th — Nancy VanderMeer, R-Tomah
71^st — Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point
72^nd — Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa
85^th — Pat Snyder, R-Schofield
86^th — John Spiros, R- Marshfield
87^th — James Edming, R-Glen Flora 

South-central 

31^st — Ellen Schutt, R-Clinton
33^rd — Don Vruwink, D-Milton
37^th — William Penterman, R-Columbus
38^th — Barb Dittrich, R-Oconomowoc
39^th — Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam
41^st — Alex Dallman, R-Green Lake
42^nd — Jon Plumer, R-Lodi
43^rd — Jenna Jacobson, D-Oregon
45^th — Clinton Anderson, D-Beloit
46^th — Melissa Ratcliff, D-Cottage Grove
79^th — Alex Joers, D-Middleton
81^st — Dave Considine, D-Baraboo 

Southwest 

49^th — Travis Tranel, R-Cuba City
50^th — Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc
51^st — Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville
80^th — Mike Bare, D-Verona
94^th — Steve Doyle, D-Onalaska
96^th — Loren Oldenburg, R-Viroqua 

Southeast 

32^nd — Tyler August, R-Lake Geneva
59^th — Ty Bodden, R-Hilbert
60^th — Rob Brooks, R-Saukville
61^st — Amanda Nedweski, R-Pleasant Prairie
63^rd — Robin Vos, R-Rochester
66^th — Greta Neubauer, D-Racine
83^rd — Chuck Wichgers, R-Muskego

Images: 

DBA endorsement logo

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Dairy Business Association @DairyForward announces endorsement of Tim Michels for governor, Eric Toney for AG, legislative candidates

About DBA:

The Dairy Business Association is Wisconsin’s leading dairy lobby group, championing smart and sensible regulations affecting the dairy community. The nonprofit organization is comprised of farmers, milk processors, vendors and other business partners who work collaboratively to ensure that dairy farms of all sizes have the support they need to keep America’s Dairyland strong. More information: www.dairyforward.com.